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Bumpy: Game Plans Carried Out “exactly How We Wanted” At DerbyMonday, May 22nd, 2017

Director Of Cricket Steve Rhodes says Worcestershire "played the game exactly how we wanted to" after overwhelming Derbyshire by an innings and 42 runs to maintain their 100 per cent record in the Specsavers County Championship.

Worcestershire overcame the loss of 129 overs to rain on the opening two days at the 3aaa County Ground to dominate in all departments and triumph by 3pm on the final day.

Joe Leach's third five wicket haul in four innings was largely responsible for Derbyshire being bowled out for 98 after Ed Barnard – with two wickets and a run out – had caused the early damage.

This followed on from Worcestershire securing maximum batting points before declaring at 415-9 – a lead of 140 – ahead of Derbyshire capitulating inside 30 overs.

Rhodes told BBC Hereford-Worcester's Dave Bradley: "I'm delighted. It was tough after losing so much time in the first two days and we actually played the game exactly how we wanted to.

"That was to bowl them out and then try and bat when conditions were a little bit better and then try and bowl them out at the end.

"It did work well but with only 63 overs possible in the first two days, it meant we needed to bat positively and quickly and that's what the openers (Daryl Mitchell and Brett D'Oliveira) did.

"They got us going and we had some flurries towards the end. There was lots of unselfish batting, a lot of team batting, and that's the reason we got over 400.

"Delighted for all the team, especially Joe (Leach). He put in a real whole-hearted performance with the ball and all the guys fielded really well in this game."

Worcestershire resumed on 323-3 at the start of the final day.

Rhodes said: "We were looking at an hour to bat and try and get 100 runs. We were just short of that and lost a few wickets early on so it was a really good effort to get to where we wanted to go before we declared.

"Did I think we could bowl Derby out for 140? We were a bit unsure if we would bowl them out for that. We did feel we could bowl them out, that was the crucial bit.

"But when they were four down for 18 runs, that was an unbelievable start for us and the better players are gone and then there are a couple of crucial wickets after lunch with Wayne Madsen and Hughesy (Alex Hughes).

"Things definitely fell into place for us."

Barnard ran out Luis Reece, who was batting with a runner, and then took a fine catch on the boundary to dismiss last man Tony Palladino.

Rhodes said: "With Barny, there was a good catch and a good run out, some nice catching from Coxy (Ben Cox), and I was really pleased with the fielding.

"It is something we work hard on and we know we can't take thise wickets without good fielding so it's really important to us.

"The lads enjoy the fielding, they are quite an athletic bunch and particularly when you see Barny and Dolly (Brett D'Oliveira) running around in the field.

"They make up for some of the other guys who might not be quite as quick but certainly if you are taking your chances that's a great sign because it means the lads are switched on and the expectation levels are good to take those wickets."